Published: September 24, 2001

The latest government tests show that New Yorkers, including those returning to work in the Wall Street area, are not being exposed to dangerous levels of contaminants, like asbestos, said Christie Whitman, who oversees the Environmental Protection Agency. In results reported on Friday, the agency analyzed 97 air samples from 11 sites in Lower Manhattan and 4 in New Jersey. Seven samples at or near the World Trade Center attack site had marginally higher levels of asbestos, which exceeded the E.P.A.'s level of concern for long-term exposure. Rescue workers in this restricted area have been provided with respirators. The agency also analyzed 13 drinking water samples from Lower Manhattan for asbestos, pesticides, PCB's, metals and radioactivity. None exceeded government standards.